Since 2011 that year has been the reference point for the Red-Bull/Vettel combination at its most crushingly dominant. Not surprising, it was one of the most dominated seasons ever. However 2013 may be even more so, by the years end which do you think will have been the more dominant? 2011 In 2011 there was only 2 races where he didn't finish on the podium where as there has been 3 so far this season (and it is likely to stay at 3) In 2011 it was obvious from the very beginning who was going to win, whereas this year at the start Alonso and Raikkonen looked in with a chance and after Hungary it looked like Hamilton could just about snatch it. In 2011 the WDC was won in Japan, this year it looks like it will be won 1 race later. In 2011 Hamiltons Korean pole position was the only non Red-Bull pole, whereas Mercedes have quite a few this year (around 7 I think) 2013 In 2011 the most races he won consecutively was 3 whereas he has won 5 so far and is still on that run and likely to make it 9. His win total in 2011 was 11, he is currently on 9 and likely to pass 11 and make it 13
2011 was more dominant. They've only dominated half of this season. The point in the OP that I find most relevant is that it was obvious from very early on that Vettel was going to win the title. There was a period around the German and Hungarian grands prix where a few people suggested it was still on, but it was desperate and the slim hopes were swiftly crushed when they dominated at Spa. I think this year their dominance has been exaggerated because most teams are focussing on next season, it wouldn't surprise me if Mercedes gave up before the summer break, while Red Bull made one last push. Any other year and I think it would've fluctuated in the second half the season as teams introduced upgrades late in the season. Red Bull also not developing will help them at this point, they know their package and how to optimise it, and they won't be losing setup time experimenting with new parts, you rarely see the cars covered in flo-vis paint at the moment. Edit: Incidentally, Vettel could end the season with more points if he wins the last four races, but like I say, I think it's been exaggerated by the lack of development.
Right up to Silverstone the title was wide open, then the tyres changed after that race and Red Bull have pretty much walked it. Such high hopes for a genuine classic season, ruined at the half way point.
With the drivers we have on the grid, we should be enjoying some classic races. Instead it's as dull as dish water. It should be like the Senna, Prost, Piquet, Mansell era.
